Share this Story

Idle No More Gaining Momentum and Forming Plan of Action

International Human Rights Day was December 10 and marked the beginning of what has since become a stand of solidarity between Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and allies known as Idle No More.

Idle No More is a movement to assert indigenous sovereignty, and to work towards sustainable, renewable development. The movement began in response to Canadian Bill C-45, the government’s omnibus budget implementation bill, that includes changes to land management on reservations which critics feel would enable Canada to control reserves. Along with other areas limiting the control of First Nations in their own territories.

Since the movement began on December 10 as reported by Indian Country Today Media Network, flash mobs and Round Dances continue to take place in Canada but have also sprouted up in Seattle, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; and even internationally in Europe, New Zealand and the Ukraine.

As flash mobs and support continue to grow around the world, back where it all began, Attawapiskat First Nation chief Theresa Spence continues her hunger strike protest now reaching 16 days. In the United States, Mishkomekinaak Ikwe began a journey from International Falls, Minnesota on her way to Washington, D.C. today. Ikwe is leading a car caravan to D.C. to urge President Barack Obama to call on Stephen Harper to meet with chief Spence and end her hunger strike.

The caravan began with Ikwe exchanging staffs with First Nations people in International Falls.

“Idle No More calls on all people to join in a revolution which honors and fulfills Indigenous sovereignty and which protects the land and water. Colonization continues through attacks to Indigenous rights and damage to the land and water, which affects all people,” an Idle No More press release states. “Idle No More calls on all of us to repair these violations, live the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship, work towards justice in action, protect Mother Earth, and create sustainable, healthy communities.”

As the caravan is getting underway, other protests are in the works. A flash mob and Round Dance is planned for tomorrow, December 28, at Washington Square Park in New York City at 3 p.m. Another event tomorrow, is a flash mob in Sacramento, California, on the West Steps of the State Capitol at noon and again in downtown Sacramento at 2 p.m. Then on Saturday, December 29, at Cherry Creek Mall in Denver, Colorado another Round Dance is planned for 1:30 p.m. One of the most recent flash mobs was Wednesday, December 26 at the Southern Hills Mall in Sioux City, Iowa. Watch the video of the event from Vernon Miller below:

“There have always been individuals and groups who have been working towards these goals – Idle No More seeks to create solidarity and further support these goals, and particularly encourages youth to become engaged in this movement, as the leaders of our future,” the press release states. “[Idle No More] also recognize that there may be backlash, and encourage people to stay strong and united in spirit.”

The group, in an effort to unify its fronts, have released a plan of action:

-- Support and encourage grassroots to create their own forums to learn more about Indigenous rights and responsibilities to Native nationhood via teach-ins, rallies and social media.

-- Build relationships and create understanding with allies across Canada.

-- Take steps to contribute to building relationships with international agencies such as the United Nations to raise awareness to the conditions indigenous people have been subjected to and assert sovereignty in the international arena.

-- Acknowledge and honor the hard work of all grassroots people who have worked, and continue to work towards these goals and are the true inspiration.

To see if a flash mob or Round Dance is happening near you, or if interested in starting one and showing support visit the Idle No More website; also follow its blog and use hashtag #idlenomore on Twitter. For other details follow the Occupy Canada Facebook page, which has a Google Map of all the Idle No More events that have happened or are planned.

“Our generation deserves a secure life and a life of freedom. Not a life of pain and fear, what we went through in our generation. It’s really hard to see our youth carrying the pain of what we’ve been carrying for so many years,” Chief Spence says in a video interview (can be seen below). “…We feel like we are more like a slave to the minister not a partner.”

Listen to Chief Theresa Spence’s message below:

You need to be logged in in order to post commentsPlease use the log in option at the bottom of this page

I support the Chief, but I am disappointed that the tribes of Montana are not accknowledge. There has been support in Great Fall, Missoula, Helena, and many of the tribes have came out in support. These tribes were some of the most powerful tribes in the west and they are all very proud people. Please do not for get us. Marty "Beware Of Sleeping Wolf" Martain. Blackfeet, Cree and Sioux and proud of every bit of it

I humbly request that during the drumming, the dancing, the rallies - our brothers and sisters sing our Canadian National anthem it encompasses all you stand for. You stand strong and correct and are so very respected by the rest of us who are not aboriginal and we gather in solidarity with you. We are one - we are the Canadian people - together as one for "Idol No More" O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

They have other intentions...
Stand up and show the world your way of living !
I'm a western european and have no connections with your people (except that we're all one), but I think we all know your way is the only way to go.
Much love and respect to you and don't worry to much about the others ;)

As a Cree member we are taught to honor our women and to walk with us in life. The Prime Minister has shown lack of leadership to address Chief Spence request to meet with Aboriginal leaders. I ask the human beings of Mother Earth to support this chief and leaders from the Grand Mothers land to motive Canada's Prime Minister to meet and fulfill the treaties that is bestowed on him.

These aboriginal peoples were on their land and with their families... but the foreigners stole the land and resources , destroyed their culture , etc, etc.
Finally, it's wonderful to see aboriginals being supported by decent people ( including the Liberals ) from around the world. Also may God Bless Chief Spence , she deserves a much better life than Harper.

I wish Harper, that is Stephen Harper would Grow Up, and tackle this conundrum head on with communication tools available in Ottawa, Ontario. If they need help maybe contact DND Communications Specialist Division II.

Hello All First Nations People!
I am a Caucasian (white person), a senior woman on a fixed income (poor in other words), and grandmother, who has, and always will, support the First Nations People all over the world 100%, but especially in Canada! If there is anyway that I can help you, I am most willing to.
I am embarrassed as a Canadian to have the kind of leaders that we've had for hundreds of years, and continue to have, (with exception to a couple of good ones from the past), who have treated our First Nations People the way they have been to date, treating them less than the white man/woman; these Caucasian leaders seem to be the kind that only feel strong and macho when they stick together as a group! So sad!''
Perhaps the time has come for the First Nations People to become even more assertive than they every have been; just as what the Black People in the U.S. had to do. The Black People were forced into finally having to use extreme force in order for the White man to begin hearing him/her! Now look at all the Black People - they are on t.v., in universities receiving degrees, playing equal roles on screen and in society, and so on.
I ask all the white men/women especially in government and/or leadership roles to go and live for a minimum of one year, as the First Nations People are being forced to live right now - dirty water to drink, or no water, no heat, no money to buy healthy food, no access to decent medical care, no jobs/no self-esteem, mold in their homes/IF they have a home, constantly being picked on, then shoved back into the forests to fend for themselves, and their lands constantly being wrenched away from them! Really?! Shame on all of you who are responsible for this!!'
This "Idle No More movement" must continue to move forward; never let it die!
Baba B.
And what's this about sending anonymous comments in, and not having the strong character to sign your name - even if it is only a temporary pseudonym. Don't be afraid to stand up for your beliefs! Remember freedom of speech!